SEMA 2017 Top 10 Parts and Products #TENSEMA17

As fun as grassroots motorsports is, it can be a lot to manage, and some things can start to slip through the cracks. The last thing you want to lose track of is data acquisition, and keeping your car healthy. The folks at Racepak have identified the inefficiencies of data acquisition and have simplified it with the Vantage CL1 and D3 application.

The inspiration came from the smartphone and the fact that nearly everyone has one on them all the time. Using an onboard data box, every ounce of information of your vehicle can be displayed on a smart phone, stored, and shared in real time via the cloud to any other devices of your crew in the pits. Technology like this has been available to professional race teams for years, but the high cost has prevented it from trickling down to the weekend warrior. Initially, this product was developed for karting, but Racepak plans on applications of this product in all motorsports in the future.

The X-Pedal Pro from Injen Technology takes drive-by-wire technology to the next level by allowing the individual user to tailor it to their needs. This plug-in module lets the driver modify electronic throttle signals on the fly depending on the needed performance of the vehicle. If you’re sitting in traffic and don’t need hair-trigger response and power, or if you are towing a trailer uphill and need increased control and power, or anything in between, the X-Pedal allows for it.

The GEN-Y Gooseneck Torsion Suspension Coupler is the newest product from GEN-Y Hitch. Like their other products, this Gooseneck-style coupler uses heavy-duty rubber torsion flex cords to mitigate up to 90 percent of the inertia between truck and trailer. This technology will keep you trailer and tow vehicle stable, ensuring the precious cargo you’re towing will not get damaged. If you encounter harsh road conditions that make most trailers buck and surge, the GEN-Y Torsion suspension coupler will keep all tires on the ground and tracking straight. Available in 16K and 25K models, and in both round and square.

HUDWAY Cast is a portable heads-up display for your car. Using devices while driving is still a big problem in society today. Whether at work or at home, people are constantly in communication. Nearly all new vehicles come with some kind of hands-free operation featured as a standard option, however, drivers are still taking their eyes off the road to interact with them. This is where HUDWAY Cast come in. If you need to get directions, receive calls, texts, and control your music in a safer and easier way, their latest product may be for you. It works wirelessly with iOS and Android devices, and always allows you to see your directions in your line of sight while your phone acts as a quick-access control panel. When you finally get your project on the road and want to take it on a long trip, this system will show any road trip information you need while keeping your head up.

From modern cars to restomod builds, diagnosing a problem with an engine quickly and effectively is critical. Now you can diagnose engine component failures with EZ Pulley, the only digital diagnostic tool for engine component failures. The tool can attach to any pulley with a bayonet-style latch, whether its alternator, ac compressor, steering pump, idler, or tensioner pulley. Once applied, it can be WiFi connected to the app where engine diagnostic information is displayed so you can quickly know what repairs you need to make.

OPTIMA Batteries released the newest member of its YELLOWTOP family, the DIN H6 and H7 group sizes. Their YELLOWTOP line will now be available in more than 90 percent of vehicles spanning the late-model domestic and European makes and models with PUREFLOW TECHNOLOGY. These batteries have been engineered with 99.9 percent pure lead, a highly-compressed radial grid, and a direct-path, cast-on strap. OPTIMA has tested their new products not only in a controlled environment, but in real-world racing applications such as King of the Hammers and Nurburgring’s 24-hour race. This new product line from Optima can not only deliver the performance that you demand in your project or performance car, but also in your daily driver.

No matter if your ride is a junkyard gem or a show car, preservation and longevity of the build is always an uphill battle, especially if the car is driven. Over time, coolant and water mixtures will corrode, wearing out the cooling system in a car. Thermocure Cooling System Rust Remover & Flush uses the latest technology in rust and corrosion removal to completely revitalize any water-cooled engine. It will remove rust and deposits from radiators, water pumps, water jackets, engine blocks, and cylinder heads.

The Dickies Worktech shirt offers ventilation in key areas with breathable performance mesh, which is designed to bring in air and move heat away from the body. The built-in evaporation zones provide greatly improved relief from heat exposure. The mechanical stretch poplin is 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton. Stains are not a concern with the easy-care stain release technology, and the shirt’s color won’t fade after washing. If you’re working in a hot environment or just need to stay a little extra cool, these vented shirts are what you need.

Mopar’s “Hellcrate” engine is now available, and is the first production car engine that packs 707 hp right out of the box. This version of the 6.2L Hemi debuted at SEMA 2017 and caused quite the stir. The list of additional parts you get with the engine is lengthy and has been designed with the retrofits in mind. Included with the engine are a line break, powertrain control module (PCM), power distribution center, engine wiring harness, chassis harness, accelerator pedal, ground jumper, oxygen sensors, charge air temperature sensors, fuel pump control module, and a front end accessory drive (FEAD) kit (alternator, power steering pump, belts, pulleys) The Hellcrate has been optimized to be used with the T-56 Magnum transmission, but you know how resourceful hot rodders are!

The physical robustness of a classic big-block is tough to match with a modern engine. The folks over at Chevrolet Performance recognized this and have brought to market their newest member of their huge crate engine family. Say hello to the Gen-IV L96, a 6.0L (364ci) LS-based V8 derived from what’s offered in the Silverado HD pick-up trucks. This iron block workhorse (part number 12677741) is capable of 360 hp at 5,400 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm.

Like many other products in its lineup, Chevrolet Performance offers the L96 with their Connect and Cruise Powertrain System. This allows for the simplest installation of this engine into early or late-model chassis.